New music this week commands a lot. Artists want people to join them for a dance inside a galaxy, reclaim feminism and express emotions. Here’s the best of the best to get the first “official” autumn weekend started right.
The best of New Music Friday:
Chappell Roan – The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess
Chappell Roan has been banging out singles that find a home for her debut full-length album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess since 2020. Roan finally finds a space to put all of her hits and share even newer tracks on an LP.
The voyage has been a wild one. Roan packed up life in Missouri and moved to Los Angeles in 2018. She’s gone from dropping singles as a label darling to independently sharing music videos for boppy hits. Roan’s superstardom was never in question but was arguably solidified more than ever before when “Red Wine Supernova” came out in May.
The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess even features her top track “Pink Pony Club,” plus her most explicit tracks, a la the openly sexual “Casual.” Roan even goes full club-slaying foot-stepping mode on the new tune “Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl.” It’s about women’s empowerment and how Roan has clearly learned Friday nights shouldn’t be wasted on dudes who wear “fugly jeans” and don’t even dance with cool girls like her.
Corook – Serious Person (Part 2)
Corook is no doubt a contender for breakout artist of the year. Serious Person (Part 2) is their second EP of 2023. It’s the next chapter to part 1, which was released in June. Corook calls this new batch the fun and funky side of their releases.
“I screamed and banged on something until the songs felt alive,” Corook said.
Corook’s outward physical appearance is splattered with fun accessory-filled outfits like knit frog hats. Their lyrics on folky tunes get the point across. “Alien” is about prioritizing finding yourself over fitting in. Among Corook’s many talents, personifying deep scrambled thoughts may be their strongest. “I FORGOT” gets straight to the hyper vibe that Corook has become known for. They expand words with a bellowing voice over techy synths.
Corook now celebrates the Serious Person releases by taking them on a U.S. tour that began earlier in September and wraps up with appearances at Austin City Limits in October. Then they’ll take the shows to Europe during 2023’s final months.
New Music Friday top picks:
Devandra Banhart – Flying Wig
Doja Cat – Scarlet
Slaughter Beach, Dog – Crying, Laughing, Waving, Smiling
Soccer Mommy – Karaoke Night EP
Sueco – “Yours” ft. Bea Miller
Teenage Fanclub – Nothing Lasts Forever
Troye Sivan – “Got Me Started“
Which of these tracks from New Music Friday will you be adding to your favorite playlists today? Any we missed? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!
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